Headlights

[Gregg Nash]

I recently purchased a 1978 Newell. I drove it after dark and the headlights were very dim. Are they on the house battery circuit rather than the engine circuit?

[TechTalk]

The headlights are on the engine 12 volt system. We suggest that you check the voltage at the headlights. If the voltage is above about 13, replace the headlights, perhaps with high performance replacement units that are available in the after market. If the voltage is below 13 volts, check the voltage at the alternator and adjust upward if set at less than 13.8 at the alternator. If the voltage at the alternator is 13.8 volts or better, check other points between the alternator and the headlights to determine where voltage loss is occurring, and repair or rewire to increase the voltage at the headlights. A tip to decrease voltage loss to the headlights: provide power to the headlights through a relay installed close to the headlights rather than running the headlight power through the switch on the dash. Use the dash headlight switch only to operate the relay.

[Gregg Nash]

Thanks I'll check.
1.What is a macerator. Switch by the stove?
2. Is the system setup to charge all batteries off the alternator?
3. Does the coach have an air ride system? How do I adjust?
4. Is the entire wire panel under the dash powered by engine circuit?

[TechTalk]

1. The macerator is a pump/grinder that pumps the contents of the holding tank from standard hose fittings located under the tank age compartment door, normally one on each side. 2. There is a three-position switch marked "Merge" on the dash. The center position is off, while the up and down engage one of two solonoids to merge the batteries using either chassis or house power. Among other things, engaging the merge switch allows the engine batteries to charge when the coach is parked with the electrical cord plugged in. The solonoids are located on the electrical terminal board behind the door at the right rear corner of the coach. These solonoids wear out, and should be replaced annually with new ones rated for continuous duty. 3. Yes, 1978 Newells have air ride. 4. The front terminal board (in front of the copilot seat) is powered by the engine 12-volt system.